Sunday, October 28, 2007

Life return to normal

Back from Nepal for a week. It was certainly everything I expected and more - great weather, great trekking, great views, no illnesses or injuries of note. Some photos are on my facebook account.

I've bee for 3 runs since returning, and they showed what I should have expected. 5 weeks no running (2 post wisdom teeth and 3 in Nepal) but good aerobic fitness.

My first run I went out feeling great and my legs died after 5km - cramped up in the quads. Hobble around for a couple of days then did a slower 10k - again muscleds ached. Today did 12k circuit. Initially hamstings were so tight thought they'd snap, then about 8k the quads cramped up again.

So a reminder that walking training is pretty useless for running - different muscles. With lots of extra oxygen carring capability the breathing is fine, but the muscles can't keep up.

I think I'll revert to slow runs 50-60k per week in the next 4 weeks, if all is well will build up a long run or two and plan to hit 6 inch in december. Thought I might do a recon run over part of the course on the weekend of 10th/11th November as my wife will be away.

New marathon to add to the wish list -Everest Marathon!! Looks great, only issue is allowing a couple of weeks there in advance to acclimatise.

Monday, October 15, 2007

Update from Nepal

Day 13 of Everest base camp trek, in cybercafe in khumjung

Made it to Everest Base Camp, and more difficultly, to Kala Patthar. Daily walking 5 to 6 hours. i must say I haven't found the trekkingt itself to be too difficult, but the altitude over 5000m hit me for six.
Now back below 4000m the air feels like honey and I feel like jogging up the mountains. Can only wait to see how i feel when back to sea level.